"Wake up, sleepyhead."A low feminine growl came from beneath the covers."Madayah cooked breakfast and I need food to keep up my strength."Two green eyes peered from beneath the blanket. "There's nothing wrong with your strength.""You say that now, but I've been listening to my stomach growl for an hour and I need food.""You could have gone to the kitchen without me.""And face my pack alone? Not happening, your highness.""Just what do you think they'll do?""They'll make sexual jokes, talk about my manhood, and demand the step-by-step story of how you romanced me."Giggles were his answer, and he hoped he could wake up every day for the rest of his life to that sound.They entered the kitchen hand-in-hand."Look who finally found their way out of bed.""He looks weak to me.""I think he's lost twenty pounds, and she looks exhausted.""That's enough." Nicolas wouldn't let them continue.Everyone laughed, and then Talya's voice sounded in Zenya's head, "Is he as sexy
The women shifted and rolled to the ground. Nikka began laughing first. It was a strange sound coming from her unused vocal cords, and Madayah's laugh followed.Through her laughter Nikka telepathically communicated with her pack, "You pack a hell of a wallop for a cook."More laughter broke out.Zenya looked at her mate in wonder. He knew how to control his pack. In only thirty minutes he had everyone mind synced. Zenya knew Amy and Marcus protected her from many of the wolves. Columbus tolerated her because he wouldn't go against his clan leaders, but was she truly accepted? Looking around she felt respect for her new pack. Her love for her mate overflowed, and she noticed the muscles of his arms rippling with his every move."Ah, Zenya."Zenya looked at Talya."I don't want lunch duty, but we're supposed to be learning to fight and not learning to have sex."A shocked silence met the words, but then another round of laughter began. Heat traveled up Zenya's neck and her cheeks
This time their love making was slow and sensuous. It was an hour before they came up for air."You know how wonderful you are?" Her voice was sleepy and soft.His hand ran over her sweat-dampened skin. "At this?""No. Well this, too. I mean being alpha.""You think I'm a wonderful alpha?""I think you're a wonderful leader. You seem to know exactly what we need to make our pack stronger.""Not exactly. I messed up with Sheeba.""You didn't. The men needed to know everything and the women didn't need to be resentful and embarrassed about it. How will the men feel about babies?""The way all wolves feel about babies.""How do you feel about babies?"His power sizzled around the room. He couldn't control his jealousy because he knew what she asked. "Could we talk about this in, say, a hundred years? No sorry, make it two hundred.""I didn't mean to upset you."He took her hand and kissed the underside of each finger. "The thought of anyone but me touching you is beyond bearin
Walking back to their room, Zenya fought against her feelings of rage. She crawled onto their bed and breathed in Nicolas's scent.He'd left her after she saved him, cared for him, and mated with him.One lone tear traveled down her cheek and landed on the soft comforter. She scrambled beneath the sheets and let the rest of her tears flow while holding tightly to his pillow. She was not a strong she-cat. For years, she hid and shook in fright at the approach of any cat or vampire. Being with Amy and Marcus helped, but she lived in daily terror of the next bad event in her life.She remembered the first time she saw Nicolas - strong, confidant, and completely alpha. Her cat noticed the way his brown hair stood up on his head in wavy disarray and his dark eyes took in everything around him. Her cat stood at attention that day, though her human side quivered in fear.Rescuing Nicolas was her single act of courage. The thought of him in Raykon's hands brought terror worse than anything
Nicolas answered his cell phone."I've missed you, brother.""Thank you, Brandt. I'm sorry for your losses at the hands of the cats.""No one has suffered more than your clan. Franklin will be forever in my memories.""Franklin would like that." Nicolas smiled softly. Few knew of the vampire's sexual preference, but Brandt took it in stride years ago when he found out.There wasn't time for long condolences, so Brandt changed the subject. "My wolves followed them on foot, but lost them when they reached their vehicles. Several more of my pack picked them up again when they entered Arizona. They traveled across I-40 and are heading into New Mexico. I believe they've decided to avoid the Southwest Clan.""There will be no avoiding us.""I hoped you would say that.""Keep us informed and we'll try to head them off when they turn south.""Will do."Asia, Columbus's younger brother, rode in the vehicle with Nicolas and Esta. A wolf on loan from Columbus's pack joined them. By loan
Tubs of wet wipes helped clean off the worst of the blood before they donned their clothing. The smell of foreign cat permeated the inside of the car, but no one complained. Dead cats smelled better than live ones.It was long after midnight when they returned to Marcus's ranch. Nicolas's pack shared a vehicle after dropping off Columbus and his wolves.He wanted to hold his mate and sink into the velvet softness of her body. He hoped she waited up for him. His wolf needed her close. Once she was more adept at fighting, he would take her with him. He knew she would remain upset for a while, but he wouldn't unnecessarily risk her life.They entered the cabin to find every light ablaze and their anxious pack mates waiting. He looked around the room searching for his mate."She isn't here, alpha." Troy looked nervously at Nicolas."Where is she?""She's with Amy and Marcus.""Her place is with us." Something was off. Nicolas walked toward their bedroom. Vorlyk stopped him from ente
Nicolas opened the bedroom door and held Zenya's hand, leading her down the stairs. The house held more than fifty wolves and all the she-cats from his pack. He grinned and looked at the hopeful eyes, all looking at his mate."How could we not know this?" Amy spoke into the hushed room.Vorlyk answered, "The South American cats may know."All eyes turned to Esta when she spoke, "They hate wolves more than humans. If they think we know, every she-cat life they control is in danger."Madayah agreed, "She's right."Zenya looked to Nicolas. "Our child will also be in danger."Nicolas squeezed her hand. "This just gives us more to fight for."Loud voices shouted in agreement. The wolves in the room would fight to their death to protect a child."We double the guards and continue preparing for war. If possible, we will rescue every female they hold," Marcus spoke out over the raised voices."We need to discuss this tomorrow. Zenya is ready to fall where she stands," Amy said.The r
Columbus arrived at the gym, in the late morning, with ten of his wolves. He walked outside with Nicolas so they could talk.Columbus smiled. "My wolves want to watch your cats.""They need to. It helped us in the fight yesterday.""They were impressed, and I think a little afraid of Esta.""I can appreciate that. Esta is my second for a reason.""I think it was eating the cat's balls that did it."Nicolas smiled, but didn't correct Columbus. If his wolves told their alpha she ate the balls then he wouldn't say differently. They knew she would have if he hadn't stopped her.His crotch ached with the thought. "Vorlyk needs a cat alive if the opportunity arises.""Is there a specific reason?""He can take their memories if he touches them.""Then we need to find him a cat. It would help greatly to know about the Canadian cats and if they plan to help our enemy.""I agree.""So, daddy, how is your mate?" Columbus teased."The next couple of months can't come fast enough. She'
VedaWe hear the music before the lights come into view. The party is outside on the large patio at Dmitri's house. Nikka decorated with white sparkling lights and paper lanterns. The music is unknown to me, which isn't a surprise. Technology is not my friend and I prefer the peace of the forest.Dmitri's voice echoes over the music. "Welcome, Veda, Witch from the line of Josephine, mate to Tyboll, and new member of the bear clan."The music shuts off suddenly and I can do nothing but return the formal greeting. "Thank you, Black Demon Bringer of Death, mate of Nikka, Liege to the bear clan."A restless mumble from the bears fills the night. Have I said something wrong? Tyboll's hand tightens on mine. Nikka appears slightly shocked before she steps forward and wraps me in her arms. "What have I done," I ask her silently."You're fine. He just hasn't used his full title in centuries," she replies into my mindI turn to Dmitri, who looks at his mate with a soft smile. "I am sorry,
TybollShe shows me her circle of herbs - explains about upsetting the balance and using all the Goddess's gifts wisely. I listen. Part of me is terrified and the other in awe. To live separately from everyone to hide your secrets takes great sacrifice.She understands my need to examine what I've learned. She heads to the cabin to cook while I go running as bear. She holds no fear that I will give away her secrets. We are mates. Her secrets are mine.I close my mind from Dmitri as I think about all Veda has told me. I shouldn't have been surprised when the largest bear of our clan blocks my path a few miles from my cabin. The Kodiak, alpha to the greatest clan, stands in front of me. He is also my brother by blood and like most brothers, we have our differences. This situation will be no different."Tyboll," his snarly voice rings through my head."Alpha," I reply pleasantly."You don't fool me. You are mated to the witch. Did it occur to you that I should be informed of this?"
VedaTyboll's new rule works. Less talking and more sex. This is one demand I am incapable of dismissing. We are stretched out on the bed with me lying on top of him. His fingers run up and down my back while he breathes into the hair against my neck. Where he bit me is sore, but I wouldn't dream of complaining. It feels right. Being in my mate's arms is right. I whisper a silent thank you to the Goddess.Tyboll answers. "You're welcome."I roll my eyes, but don't bother correcting him. I'm actually thankful to him, too."Come on, woman, we're taking a bath." He lifts me as he stands. I'm cradled in his arms and feel incredibly safe. And loved.Does he love me? I'm careful to keep this thought from drifting into his mind. Nikka told me how to do it. I just need to practice. He doesn't respond, so I must have been successful. Tyboll lowers my feet to the floor when we're in the bathroom. I watch as he leans over and turns on the water. His back and thighs are muscular and sexy. His
Tyboll"I've listened to you shout for an hour now. Calm yourself, bear."I hear the end of patience in Dmitri's voice. I take several deep breaths and try to do as my liege says. It isn't easy. I keep thinking of meat. Each time I do, I feel nauseated and my anger rekindles. To never eat meat again is not going to happen. I've run out of things to say anyway and throw myself onto the large couch in Dmitri's front room."I knew this happened last night. Your blood smells even better than bear. You now have witch blood running through your veins." He holds up his hand. "Do not blame me for my silence. You were in no condition to have this conversation. I also needed a night to think on what needs to be done."My stomach twists painfully. "You cannot reverse it is what you're saying?""No, I cannot. I'm not sure if you will actually want it reversed once you know your capabilities." He continues before I can object. "The difference between you and your mate is that I trust you."I
VedaThat did not go well. I didn't think it would, but I held onto a small amount of hope. I know eventually he will come to his senses. Right now, though, I am left in need. Staring at his bare chest and wanting to run my nails over his muscled flesh almost made me beg. The man might be stubborn, but he is gorgeous.As a mated pair, I know at this point we should be having so much sex that we are both sore. I've made plenty of tinctures to alleviate the soreness so mates can continue without a break.A lot of good the knowledge on how to make such a tincture is now. If I'm not running from Tyboll, the stupid man is running from me. It's strange because after the thought of Tyboll becoming a witch settled, I wanted to celebrate. I am not alone. I can share the sacred knowledge with another. I do not need a child. I will no longer be alone with the great texts.Tyboll might not like it, but the gift bestowed by the Goddess can only be undone by her. No vampire can help him. I decid
TybollI wake from what feels like a winter hibernation. I'm starving and the rumble in my stomach only enhances my need for food. Something smells wonderful. I'm naked in my bed and vaguely recall my illness the night before. I remember Dmitri coming to the rescue. I also remember my thoughts that Veda poisoned me again. Unlikely, because I ate nothing before going to Mandy's. She is a witch, though, and there's no telling what they're capable of.My nose leads me to the kitchen. Veda stirs a large pot on the stove. I peer over her shoulder to see what has such an amazing smell. Without looking at me she speaks, "Clothes or I will not feed you, bear.""Humph." I wrap my arms around her and run my nose down the side of her face and stop at her neck. "I could eat you, woman, and I'd start right here." She stops stirring the pot. I can smell her arousal. I bite down gently on the skin holding my attention. "How did you know I'm not dressed?" I breathe against the mark I've just left.
VedaStupid hare-brained bear, I mutter as I look the other way, pick up the slab of nearly raw meat, and toss it out of the cabin. Serving cooked meat was the hardest thing to do while I worked at the diner. The only blessing was that Becky didn't prepare the blood-dripping horror I just got rid of. I look through the kitchen and there are no vegetables. I settle on bread and cheese, though I'm no longer hungry. I just know I need to eat."You stay here or when I find you I'll lock you up," were the last words Tyboll yelled before he left.I thought about challenging his dictate, but right now I am too tired. I finish my meal and walk outside in the opposite direction from the barely cooked meat. My hope is that a wild animal will take it away in the night. This is what I did with all the meat given to me over the years by the bear clan as payment. My mother accepted their offering and then gave it to the wildlife, so I did the same. Maybe I should have said something, but politene
TybollThe feelings running through me are impossible to comprehend. It took hours to drive to Dmitri's club and another hour to track Veda's scent and find the diner. The closer I came, the more insistent an inner... well... buzz intensified. When our eyes finally met, I felt as if a mountain had crumbled over me. I fought collapsing at her feet. I knew it was her witch's power and wondered if she cast a spell that made it difficult for me to come close to her.I continued thinking this until her lips met mine. Now we're on the floor and she's wrapped in my arms. Words that turn me into an utter pussy slip from my mouth and I don't care. If it bothers her so much that she leaves me, I won't call her woman. Though, she is. A beautiful woman."I can hear your thoughts," she sighs against my neck. "Maybe the word woman is not so bad." She lifts up slightly and stares at me. "I've never done this, Tyboll. I've had very little interaction with anyone. I never thought to have a mate. You
VedaWhy is the pull to a mate so strong? I pour over the great texts expecting the answer it usually offers. Nothing. I've read sections about mating, but they don't offer a solution to the problem.Mating is a bond that only death can sever. A witch's power is not stronger than the bond and a witch shall not interfere with a mated pair.Blah, blah, blah. My mother told me not to mess with a mated pair. I understand this. But now I'm part of a mated pair. I need answers about a witch mating and there is nothing.A witch will take a human male into her body. A female child will form from this union. You will know the time to search out your human. Do not call the power of your beast when in the human's arms. Control your beast or bear the consequences.It's too late for that. Tyboll and I allowed our bears to rise when we mated. Now I feel Tyboll pulling my power from me. Can he feel it? He must. The texts are written for a human and witch. Not a beastkind and witch. I fli